Oga Aquarium GAO

Overview

Oga Aquarium GAO is an aquarium located in Oga City, Akita Prefecture. Opened in July 2004, it's the only aquarium on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku to exhibit polar bears. The aquarium features a large tank recreating the Oga Sea, along with exhibits of penguins, seals, and harbor seals. A 3D theater and restaurant provide all-day enjoyment. The star attraction at Oga Aquarium GAO is undoubtedly the polar bears. There's a fascinating backstory: Initially, they were to be brought from Canada, but protests from Japanese animal welfare organizations and Canadian animal welfare groups delayed their arrival. On June 8, 2005, with the cooperation of an Australian aquarium, a male cub from Russia was brought in and named 'Kota'. The exhibit facilities were designed to mimic natural habitats, aligning with the principles of the polar bear protection law in Manitoba, Canada. In May 2006, an artificial snow machine was installed to help the bears combat summer heat; this was a first in Japan for polar bears. In 2011, Kurumi (female), from Kushiro City Zoo, was loaned for breeding with Kota, and on December 4, 2012, the birth of a cub was confirmed in the birthing room. Mother and cub were publicly exhibited from May 1, 2013, and the cub was named 'Milk' on June 3rd following a public naming contest. This marked the first successful natural rearing of a polar bear cub in Japan. Oga Aquarium GAO is also actively involved in polar bear conservation. Visitors can learn about polar bear ecology and the environmental issues of global warming. It's an aquarium that everyone, from children to adults, can enjoy; be sure to visit!